A Sibling Bond

by Ondrea Goranson

“Ok everybody—yo!” I thrust my fist in the air and Team Prints, the third through fifth grade students, followed suite. As soon as the children settled in their seats, I posed a question. “I would like you to raise your hand if you have the strength of ‘Relating’.” Savannah and Quincy, sister and brother, each shot their hands in the air with enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but smile, thankful that we had established something else these two had in common other than their last name.

As many siblings do, Savannah and Quincy have their…disagreements. (How vividly do I recall my younger years of sisterly humiliation, the constant concern for copycatting, and the name calling that typically involved inappropriate bodily functions!) These two are no exception to candid arguments and quick-witted insults. They aren’t quick to show camaraderie, especially when peers are watching. But the moment they discovered that their strengths in “Relating” set them apart from teammates, together, the surprise and unspoken camaraderie was irrefutable.

Savannah and Quincy, along with the rest of the students, listened closely as I explained the power of friendship and importance of close relationships to those who held “Relating” as a strength. I was elated to have their undivided attention as I described the value of loyalty to relaters.

Naturally, these two are still corrected for the occasional tease, tiff or insult. But the quiet connection they made that day was undeniable. Despite their distinct personalities and other differences, the discovery of a common strength (specifically one emphasizing the significance of relationships) brought Savannah and Quincy together in a short, but powerful moment I won’t soon forget.